sesquiterpene

terpene

[tur-peen] /ˈtɜr pin/

noun, Chemistry.

1.

(originally) any of a class of monocyclic hydrocarbons of the formula C 10 H 16 , obtained from plants.

2.

this class or any of its oxygenated derivatives, any hydrocarbon from the same source having the formula C 5 H 8(hemiterpene) the formula C 10 H 16 with an aliphatic structure (acyclic terpene) or two-ringed structure (bicyclic terpene) the formula C 15 H 24(sesquiterpene) etc., and any of their oxygenated derivatives.

(tûr'pēn') Any of a class of hydrocarbons consisting of two or more isoprene (C5H8) units joined together. Simple terpenes are found in the essential oils and resins of plants such as conifers. Turpentine, for example, is such an oil. More complex terpenes include vitamin A, carotenoid pigments (such as lycopene), squalene, and rubber. Terpenes are used in organic synthesis.